The Last Word with Matt Cooper
3,209 episodes — Page 44 of 65
Lake Garda: Booking and Activity Tips
Our weekly travel slot continues and this week, Lake Garda in Italy is the topic of conversation. Sarah Slattery from thetravelexpert.ie joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Man Pleads Guilty to Double Murder and Assault
A man has admitted murdering Aidan Moffitt and Michael Snee in Sligo. 23-year-old Yousef Palani, of Markievicz Heights in Sligo, will be sentenced for the double murder in October. Today FM's Courts Correspondent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
The Student Accommodation Crisis is Back
Minister for Higher Education, Simon Harris has pleaded for home owners to rent out a room to students as another crisis looms. Meanwhile, the Union of Students in Ireland wants more protection from students in digs. Their Welfare Vice President, Colette Murphy joined The Last Word.
The Dubs Are All-Ireland Champions
After a hectic day in Croker yesterday, the Dubs have been crowned All-Ireland Champions following their win over Kerry. Dick Clerkin, former Monaghan footballer and Ray Silke, former Galway footballer joined The Last Word. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Garda Get Extra 10m To Increase Numbers In Dublin City
The Garda have received an extra 10m to increase their presence on the streets of Dublin. But what has the reaction been? Brendan O'Connor, President of the Garda Representation Association joins Matt to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
Week Trending: Morrissey Criticises Sinead Tributes, More Ticket Pain For Coldplay Fans, And The National Party's Gold Reserves
The Week Trending covers Morrissey criticising Sinead tributes, The further ticket pain Coldplay fans are dealing with and the national party's gold reserve and more. Matt was joined by Dave Hanratty - Host of the No Encore podcast and Aoife Barry - Arts journalist to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
UN Warns Of 'Global Boiling'
July 2023 is on track to be the hottest month in recorded history, with UN chief António Guterres warning of 'global boiling'. What does this mean? John Gibbons joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
The Last Word Remembers The Unforgettable Sinéad O'Connor
We took some time today on The Last Word to pay a proper tribute to the beautiful soul of Sinéad O'Connor. We heard music and clips from Sinéad, and heartfelt messages from our listeners. Listen to the entire piece by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Remembering Sinéad O'Connor
Legendary singer Sinéad O'Connor has died at the age of 56. John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined The Last Word to remember her life and career. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
'Build More Roads', Taoiseach Says In Response To Rail Review
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Eamon Ryan's rail review makes a case for more investment in roads. Eugene Drennan, IRHA President, and John Gibbons, Environmental Commentator, joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Do You Have A Bank Account That Your Partner Knows Nothing About?
1 in 10 adults in a relationship have a secret bank account, Aviva has found. Why is this? Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
US Embassy In Dublin Warns American Visitors To 'Keep A Low Profile'
The US Embassy in Dublin has issued a security warning to those from the US planning to travel to the capital city. Larry Donnelly, Law Lecturer at the University of Galway & Political Columnist with TheJournal.ie, and Paul Gallagher, General Manager of Buswells Hotel in Dublin city Centre joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Tens Of Thousands Of Coldplay Fans Fail To Secure Tickets For Four Dublin Shows
Huge demand has resulted in thousands of hopefuls missing out on tickets to see one of Coldplay's Croke Park shows. John Caddell and Dee Reddy joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Spotify Increases Price Of Premium Subscription
Spotify are the latest streaming giant to increase their subscription prices, with a premium subscription to increase by €1 per month. Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Streams Of Country Singer’s Violence Anthem Increase By 1000% After Controversy
Country artist Jason Aldean's song 'Try That In A Small Town' has amassed millions of streams amid controversy surrounding its lyrics. Cal Thomas, Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Publicly Funded IVF To Be Available From September But There Are Exceptions
The Government has announced that publicly funded utility treatments will be provided from September, with some exceptions. Dr. Brian Higgins, GP from Galway Primary Care joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Banning Ads For Cars and What is Phubbing?
What is phubbing? Is Barbie a Communist? Should we start banning ads for cars? Roe McDermott, Movies Editor with Hotpress Magazine and Kieran Cunningham, Chief Sports Writer with the Irish Daily Star joined The Last Word for The Week Trending. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Possible "Cocaine Tourists" in Donegal
Gardaí are warning of the potential of "cocaine tourists" following a number of suspected drug wash-ups along the Donegal coast. They're urging people not to engage in such activity. Stephen Maguire from The Donegal Daily joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Another Blow for Ireland's Women's Rugby Team
Captain Nichola Fryday has announced her retirement from international rugby. Joining The Last Word to discuss was Murray Kinsella - Rugby Writer with The42.ie. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Many Of The Tuam Babies Will Never Be Identified
Following the horrific findings at Tuam, the Minister has announced that they will be attempting to send the remains of some children back to their families. However, many may not be identified. Daniel McSweeney, director of authorised intervention with responsibility for the excavation of the children's burial site at Tuam joins the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
Ireland Has One Of The Biggest Gaps In Homeownership Between Young And Older People In Europe
A new report by the ESRI has shown that 80% of people in Ireland over the age of 40 own their own home, but only one-third of people under the age of 40 currently own a home. Rachel Slaymaker, Research officer ESRI and Sarah McGuinness, Assistant News Editor, Business Post join the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
The Best Tech To Improve Your Holidays
Heading abroad to escape the rain and wondering how you could improve that holiday even more? Tech journalist Andy O'Donoghue joins the show to tell us the best tech you can use to improve your holidays. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
The Last Word On The Environment: Are Heat Waves Here To Stay?
Whilst it may be bucketing in Ireland, abroad has the opposite issue of major heatwaves. But, are they here to stay? John Gibbons - Environmental Commentator joins the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
Government Watchdog Responds to John Delaney Scheme
Recently, the Sunday Independent tracked down a "Money for Jam" scheme supposedly ran by former Head of the FAI, John Delaney. Mark Tighe, Co-Author of Champagne Football and Journalist with the Sunday Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
The Price of A Pint is Going Up
Diageo has announced yet another price rise from August. Draught beer of Hop House, Guinness, Carlsberg, Rockshore, and Smithwhicks will rise by at least 4c. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with the Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Proposed Minimum Wage "Unaffordable" for Many SMEs
The Low Pay Commission is set to recommend a 12 percent or €1.40 increase in the hourly minimum wage. Joining The Last Word to discuss is Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive of ISME and Dr. Tom McDonnell, Co-Director of the Nevin Economic Research Institute. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Ireland Has Become Warmer And Wetter In The Last 30 Years
A new report from Met Eireann today states that Ireland has become 'Warmer and Wetter' in the last 30 years. John Sweeney, emeritus professor of geography at Maynooth University and Ciara Ryan, climatologist, Met Éireann join the show to discuss why they believe this is. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
The Last Word on Music: Taylor Swift Ticket Madness Is About To Descend On Ireland
You don't have to be a 'Swifty' to know the world is going mental for Taylor Swift tickets, and the madness has just hit Ireland. John Caddell and Dee Reddy join the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
House Prices Continue To Slow Down According To CSO Figures
CSO figures have shown that house prices are falling, but is this a positive thing? Ian Guider, Business columnist, Business Post joins the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
RFK’s Family Condemn His “Deplorable” Claims That Covid Was Engineered To Kill Black And White People
Following a dramatic turn of events at dinner, RFK's family condemned his claims that covid was deliberately engineered to kill people. Cal Thomas, nationally syndicated columnist and Marion McKeone, US correspondent, The Business Post join the show to discuss. For the full chat click the 'Play' button on this page.
It's Kerry V Dublin in the All Ireland Football Final
Kerry Vs Dublin are to square off in this year's All Ireland Football Final following a busy weekend of Semi Final action in Croker. Marc O'Sé and Dick Clerkin joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Lack Of Care Places For Vulnerable Children Highlighted In New Report
A new report has highlighted the lack of places for vulnerable children. Joining The Last Word to discuss was Maria Corbett, Chief Executive of the Child Law Project and Kathleen Funchion, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee on Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Is There A Need for Satellite TV Anymore?
Is it game over for telly? Has the satellite dish had it's day? Our weekly TV and Streaming Slot continued this week with Joe O'Shea and Elaine Burke. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
The Review of Ireland's Rail Network and It's Proposals
A train line from Ballina to Rosslare and high-speed inter-city trains are among the proposals highlighted in a review of the Irish rail network. Mark Gleeson of Rail Users Ireland and Brian Caulfield, Professor in Transportation at Trinity College joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Injury Doubt for Irish World Cup Squad
The Women's World Cup is just around the corner and with a feisty match against Columbia behind closed doors, what's the outlook like for the team and Denise O'Sullivan? Lisa Fallon, FIFA High-Performance Technical Director and Sinead O’Carroll, Editor of thejournal.ie joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Six RTÉ Oireachtas Probes, Boris is Back and Calls for 12th July Bank Holiday
On the week trending this week, RTÉ continues to be under the microscope, Boris Johnson is back in the headlines and there had been calls to make the 12th of July an all-island bank holiday. Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent with The Irish Examiner and Author Edel Coffey joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
No Smartphone Policy For Primary Pupils Could Be Extended To All Schools, Education Minister Says
Minister for Education Norma Foley is interested in extending nationwide the idea of a no smartphone policy for primary school pupils. Rachel Harper, Principal of St Patrick’s National School in Greystones, and Jen Hogan, Parenting Columnist with the Irish Times joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Heatwaves Return To Europe
More extreme heatwaves are set to hit Europe in the coming weeks, with the highest ever ground temperatures recorded in Spain yesterday. Kevin Murphy, 2GoCup CEO and Founder, and John Gibbons, Environmental Commentator joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
RTÉ To Ask Ryan Tubridy To Pay Back €150,000 From Outstanding Renault Events
Director General Kevin Bakhurst has said RTÉ will ask Ryan Tubridy to pay back €150,000 from outstanding commitments. Louise Burne, Political Correspondent with the Irish Mirror, and James O’Connor, member of the Public Accounts Committee and Fianna Fail TD joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
How To Use Your Tech To Save Money
We could all do with saving a little more money! Could investing in technology help you out with your savings? Andy O’Donoghue joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Culture Club: Ed Smith
trailerTodayFM's Ed Smith joined us for The Culture Club this week! He spoke to Matt about music, films, comedy and more. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Taoiseach Claims People In Emergency Accommodation Are Refusing "Multiple Offers" For Social Housing
At a press conference given yesterday by the Government in relation to Housing For All, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar claimed multiple offers for social housing have been refused by people in emergency accommodation. Jim Gildea, Fine Gael Councillor for Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, and Colette Bennett, Economics and Social Analyst at Social Justice Ireland joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Half Of Us Can't Afford Health Insurance And Pensions
A survey done by Aviva has found more than half of people can't afford health insurance and/or a pension. Charlie Weston, Personal Finance Editor with The Irish Independent joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Children's Hospital Has Only Completed 27 Rooms Out Of 3,000 Target
Only 27 rooms out of a projected 3,000 have been completed for the new National Children's Hospital, with building costs to potentially increase to over €2 billion. Priscilla Lynch, Clinical editor with the Medical Independent, and John Lahart, Member of the Oireachtas Health Committee and Fianna Fáil TD for Dublin South-West joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
'Fog Of Confusion' Over RTÉ Payments, Committee Told
As relevant figures continue to appear in front of the Oireachtas committees over the RTÉ scandal, Ryan Tubridy has apologised for what he calls a 'fog of confusion' over his payments. Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst On Ryan Tubridy's Future At RTÉ
Newly appointed Director General of RTÉ, Kevin Bakhurst joined The Last Word to discuss the process of re-establishing trust in the broadcaster. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Has Ryan Tubridy Managed To 'Put The Feather Back In The Pillow?'
What does Ryan Tubridy's future at RTÉ look like after the last few weeks? Mick Clifford, Special Correspondent with The Irish Examiner, and Lorcan Nyhan, Head of Training at the Communications Clinic joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Tubridy Raises '7 Untruths' & Says Name Is 'Sullied'
Ryan Tubridy and agent Noel Kelly made statements today in front of the Oireachtas committees, placing the blame for the payments scandal squarely at the door of RTÉ. Ian Guider, Business Columnist with The Business Post, and Brian Stanley, Chairman of PAC and Sinn Fein TD joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Kevin Bakhurst Stands Down RTÉ Executive Board
New RTÉ Director General Kevin Bakhurst has announced the Executive Committee of the RTÉ board are to be stood down as part of a number of new changes in the company. Ian Guider joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.
Burning Of Leo Varadkar Image In Northern Ireland To Be Investigated As Hate Crime
A hate crime investigation has been launched into Leo Varadkar's image being placed on a bonfire in Northern Ireland. Journalist Amanda Ferguson joined The Last Word to discuss. Catch the full chat by pressing the 'Play' button on this page.